Page:History of the War between the United States and Mexico.djvu/484

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
430
VIGILANCE OF GENERAL SCOTT.

during a campaign, and nearly 100 pieces of artillery. The American loss was 130 killed, 7'04 wounded, and 29 missing.[1]All was not yet entirely tranquil in the city. Sleepless and untiring vigilance was necessary on the part of General Scott and his officers, and they did not fail in the performance of their duty. Stragglers were frequently found assassinated, and dark and terrible threats were uttered. The clergy refused to open their churches for public worship, with a view of preventing the restoration of good order; but when they were told by the American commander that his protection should be withdrawn from them, and the valuable property committed to their care, unless they continued to discharge their functions as formerly, they were quite willing to resume them. As a consideration for the protection afforded by his army to the property of the church and the citizens, General Scott levied a contribution of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars upon the capital, which was paid in four equal weekly installments.[2] Martial law was also proclaimed in and about all towns and posts occupied by the American

  1. The Americans lost thirteen officers, either killed or mortally wounded, in the operations of the 13th and 14th of September, viz: — Captain Drum and Lieutenant Benjamin, of the 4th artillery; Lieutenants Sydney, Smith and Rodgers, 4th infantry; Lieutenant J. P. Smith, 5th infantry: Lieutenant Gantt, 7th infantry; Colonel Ransom, 9th infantry; Major Twiggs, marine corps; Lieutenant Colonel Baxter, and Captains Van O'Linda and Pearson, New York Volunteers; and Lieutenants Cantey and Morange, of the South Carolina Regiment.
  2. {Twenty thousand dollars of this sum was appropriated to the purchase of extra comforts for the wounded and sick of the American soldiers in hospital, and ninety thousand dollars to the purchase of blankets and shoes for gratuitous distribution among the rank and file of the army; and the remaining forty thousand dollars was reserved for other necessary military purposes. — General Orders, Number 287.